Harmanpreet Kaur Dismisses Asia Cup Controversy Talk: “We Don’t Discuss Those Things”

Harmanpreet Kaur Focused on Cricket, Not Controversy Ahead of Asia Cup Clash vs Pakistan.

India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has played down any off-field tension surrounding her team’s upcoming Asia Cup clash with Pakistan, stating firmly that the focus remains on cricket—not controversy.

India will face their arch-rivals on October 5 in Colombo, a match that routinely stirs emotions both on and off the field. While the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year was marked by fiery celebrations and tense exchanges, Harmanpreet said her team is not concerned with anything beyond the boundary.

“We can only control one thing, which is playing cricket on the field. We’re not thinking about anything else,” she said at the ICC captains’ media conference. “As cricketers, we focus on what’s in our hands. Off-field matters don’t enter our dressing room—we don’t even discuss them.”

The India captain emphasized that her squad is fully focused on preparation for both the Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, which begins September 30 in Guwahati.

“A Dream Come True” to Lead at a Home World Cup

Harmanpreet described leading India in a home World Cup as a dream fulfilled.

“Captaining your country is always special, but doing it at a home World Cup is even more meaningful,” she said. “When I started playing cricket, I never imagined this moment would come—it was just a dream. The World Cup is back in India after 12 years, and we’re focused on enjoying it, not letting pressure get to us.”

Sciver-Brunt on Balancing Batting and Captaincy

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, also present at the media meet, admitted she’s still learning to juggle the dual demands of being a leader and a key batter.

“I’ve learned to compartmentalise,” Sciver-Brunt said. “When I’m batting, I try to block everything else out. Then, once I’m off the field, the captaincy thoughts kick in. It’s definitely still a learning curve.”

Athapaththu Embraces Underdog Role vs India

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu, who joined the event virtually along with other captains, said her side was looking forward to taking on India in the tournament opener. “We know they’re strong, especially at home,” she said. “But we’ve beaten them before—in the Asia Cup and a bilateral series. We’ll go in as underdogs, but anything can happen on the day.”

Also attending were captains Fatima Sana (Pakistan), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), and Nigar Sultana Joty (Bangladesh), all of whom expressed confidence in their teams heading into the marquee tournaments.